MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Authorities are warning Rutherford County residents to be cautious of computer pop-up scams that can lead to frightening phone calls and attempts to steal personal information.

A local man recently clicked on a pop-up warning of a computer virus, only to receive a follow-up phone call from someone claiming to be “Deputy Brandon Walls” of the Sheriff’s Office — a person who does not actually work there.

The scammer told the man that investigators had found illegal pornographic material on his computer and that a federal arrest warrant was being prepared. The caller demanded the man’s Social Security number to “clear” the alleged warrant.

Fortunately, the man’s stepdaughter overheard the conversation and advised him to hang up immediately, preventing him from sharing sensitive information.

Law enforcement officials remind residents that no one can avoid an arrest by giving out a Social Security number, and legitimate agencies will never call and demand such information. The Sheriff’s Office urges residents to avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups and to end any similar phone calls without responding.

Anyone who receives such a scam attempt should report it to authorities and protect their personal data.